Coaching rumors: Power struggle at Auburn the reason an offensive coordinator has not been named

Auburn has officially been without an offensive coordinator for nine days. And the reason for the lack of a hire is because of a power struggle between Gus Malzahn and those with power over the program.

According to a report from James Crepea of Al.com reports that the reason Auburn has yet to make an offensive coordinator hire is because while Malzhan wants a Malzahn discple, those with influnce in the program would like to see a more experinced hire.

Per Crepea, the short list of candidates that Malzahn wanted include Florida Atlantic OC Kendal Briles, Arizona State offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and NC State offensive coordinator Eliah Drinkwitz. Drinkwitz and Lindsey both have worked with Malzahn in the past. Those with influence did not react favorably to those names. Per Crepea’s source, Briles lacked experience while Lindsey and Drinkwitz had too many ties to Malzahn.

Auburn Athletic Director reportedly gave Malzahn a list of prefered candidates all of which had plenty of experience.

Earlier in the week, two, more veteran coordinators were linked to the job in Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich and Texas A&M’s Noel Mazzone. Yukich removed himself from the opening, while Mazzone will stay with Texas A&M.

The offensive coordinator job came open when Rhett Lashlee left for the same position at UConn. Auburn went 8-5 this season, which ended with a loss to Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl.